Sigma Zoom Normal-Telephoto 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG Autofocus Lens for Sony Alpha & Minolta Maxxum Se

Any 10x SLR zoom lens (50mm x10 = 500mm) is going to be attractive, but one that ends with a 500mm focal length is going to get an especially high amount of attention. Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG HSM Lens, for this reason, but not for this reason alone, is a very popular lens. The fact that Canon's longest zoom ends at 400mm and costs much more increases the demand for this lens.
 
I should point out right up front: Though designated 500mm, this focal length seems overstated - 450-470mm or so feels about right. Still not a bad long focal length on a zoom with this overall focal length range.
 
As can be expected for a lens with a 450-500mm focal length available, the Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG HSM Lens is not small or light. It has even acquired a nickname - "Bigma". The 50-500 measures 3.7" x 8.6" (95mm x 218.5mm) and weighs 4.1 lb (1.8 kg). You can carry this lens all day - but you will know that you did. It is not too heavy to handhold, but a support will be welcomed if you intend to have it in shooting position for long periods of time.
 
The Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG HSM Lens' build quality is on par for Sigma's EX line - very good. The focus and zoom rings are nicely sized, nicely shaped, smooth and well-damped. The switches are raised and not as integrated as they could be, but this is a relatively minor issue. The lens finish is Sigma's standard black matte EX finish. I think it shows marks too easily - others really like it. As do all super-zoom lenses, the 50-500 extends significantly at its longest focal length range.